Seventy years ago, MGM released a little film about a girl from Kansas and her little dog, who get swept up in a tornado and transported to a magical, Technicolor land called Oz.
The Wizard of Oz wasn’t a big hit in theaters, but in later years it was televised annually and became a big hit with the baby boomers and gen x’ers who grew up watching it. I remember when I was REALLY little I used to get so-o-o scared when the Wicked Witch of the West appeared (“I’ll get you my pretty – and your little DOG too!”). See? I watched it so often I know most of the dialogue, used to love singing along to the tunes and was no slouch at doing the “Off to See the Wizard” dance too! [Shop for Wizard of Oz Costumes]
Historically, the film symbolizes a transition from a time when most movies were in black and white to the modern world of color films. The Kansas scenes are in sepia-toned black and white, while the Oz scenes are in color – three strip Technicolor, to be exact – which enhances the surreal qualities of Dorothy’s Oz experience.
In honor of the Wizard’s 70′th birthday, Warner Brothers has released several DVD editions of the film, including high-def Blu-Ray and DVD limited editions for collectors. The collector’s box includes poster cards, booklets and even a 70th anniversary watch! It’s the ultimate gift for your favorite Oz fan … or yourself.
Not up for splurging on the collector’s edition? There’s still plenty to love in the regular 70th anniversary edition. Though there are none of the non-digital “extras”, the two DVD’s are jam-packed with goodies, including outtakes, deleted scenes, and (my favorite) a sing-along soundtrack!
